The MDP library...

Friday, May 31, 2013

So, the new DEAD book is out and I am already diving in to writing book 7, titled Dead: Reborn. No resting on my laurels...whatever those are. I have some concepts in line for this next arc of the book and am doing some things that have me anxious for reader response. Yep...already consumed by the seventh book and I haven't even been able to really sit back and enjoy the release of book six. Still think being a writer is easy? It is like any other job...only this just happens to be what I LOVE! If you are a skimmer when it comes to reading blogs, don't miss the note at the end on how you can win a free audio version of my latest release: Gruesomely Grimm Zombie Tales, Volume 1.

Also, the fantastic folks with Puretalon Productions are deep in the production stages of the first four Zomblog books for audio! I have to thank Erik Bryan, Emily Dane (as Meredith), and Laura Stahl (as Snoe). While it was actually Erik's Zomblog audition that reeled me in to these exceptional folks, I can not even begin to say how thrilled I am with the ladies and the way they have brought my story to life.

That was why it was so easy to continue with these amazing people for the DEAD books. Dead: The Ugly Beginning is already in production and the rest of the series will be out by summer's end. I am hoping it does well so that Erik will be motivated to stay on board with the entire series. And I am also very excited to be revealing some new cover art for many of the audio editions. More on that coming soon... But I have to step aside for a moment for "you know who".

Yo, Vinnie DeSporto here, so listen up. First off, I don't much care for being shoved down at the end of a bunch of crap dat Brown coulda said earlier in da week. "But, Vinnie", I can hear him sniveling, "I don't do blogs on Tuesday or Thursday." Boo-freakin'-who.

Anyways, today I have chosen the S & M librarian who goes by Suzi M.

Va-va-va-voom. Am I right guys? Somebody tell Barbra Eden we found the model for those cartoon eyes in the credits of I Dream of Jeannie. It is honor of dis babe dat I have officially started my "DeSporto Babes" club. How do you become a member...simple...for starters, you gotta look like dat. (Look up about an inch if you need a reminder...you know what an inch is, dontcha Armand?) So, Suzi...or whatever your name is, I mean seriously, I will probably forget anyway, so just get used to bein' called Dollface, as da charter member of da DeSporto Babes, you need a t-shirt and a pitcher of ice water...and a sponge. "But Vinnie," I hear you ask in what I can only assume is a nagging voice like most broads have, "what do I need a sponge for?"

Hey, my car ain't gonna wash itself.

Next week, I will be turning the heat up on ...am I readin' dis right? "The Summer of Zombie Blog Tour"? What da hell is dat?!

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

In one day...the latest offering in the DEAD series will be available, Dead: Confrontation will be available. This is the longest of all the previous books. Not only that, but it also includes the full-length offering, That Ghoul Ava: Her First Adventures. Yep, for those of you who have held steadfast to your physical books, I felt you should have the chance to fall in love with my favorite ghoul, so at the end of Dead: Confrontation, you will find the story that launched my Ava story line.

All that said, the bottom line is that I am very excited about this offering as well as experiencing the jitters like I do before every release. I am always waiting for those first reviews. Of course I have the hardcore fans who practically know my story better than I do. Then there are the new fans I have never heard from or interacted with who offer an entirely different thrill.

One of the things that really makes it fun is that, back in the early days, I used to have to keep going to Amazon and hitting the 'refresh' key to see if my book is available. Now, it comes up on my Amazon sales page...usually way before I see it show up on Amazon.com. THAT is exciting stuff...at least for me.

Now, I know that I should be doing my 30 minute reader post today, but honestly I am very excited about my sixth book in the DEAD series. So next week I will be sharing a new book. If you want in, I will be reading Bob The Zombie by Jaime Johnesee. Get yours now and lets meet here next Wednesday to talk about it.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Some of you may not read this until Tuesday...you may be camping or just hanging out at the beach. Many of you will be firing up the barbecue and eating a little too much good food. Lots of you will have the day off from work.

It is easy to forget what today is. Like so many other holidays, we often get so caught up in the events that we forget the meaning...

I don't like to get preachy, but I do think that there needs to be a reminder every so often. Mine came Sunday morning as I walked through the doors to a local grocery store. Sitting at a small desk was a elderly couple selling handmade little red flowers. He was a veteran and had his VFW hat. I noticed as people walked past and paid them no mind on their way to grab a slab of meat or a big watermelon for the coming festivities...

It made me stop and think...

This weekend is a chance to take a moment and celebrate all those who have served. Every single day, there are men and women sitting at their post. Some are directly in harm's way, others are sitting safely stateside...until a disaster strikes and then they mobilize to the scene to keep order and render assistance to the local emergency crews. Being in the military is a 24/7 gig. Sure, there is down time...but the fact remains that those who serve can be called upon at a moment's notice to put their lives on the line.

So, if you know somebody who served, or you pass by a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine...tell them thank you. Oh...and on the way out of the store I got two of those little red flowers and shook that man's hand and expressed my gratitude for what he did for his country.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Yo, Vinnie DeSporto here so listen up. After slapping around the Heck's Cherub trying to pass himself off as a mean lookin' biker-type who goes by the unlikely name of +Armand Rosamilia, I now turn my attention to one of those writin' weenies who is proof that you start to look more and more like your pets over time...or is it the other way around. Oh well...dis week, I gots a few things to say about the author of the inexplicably popular series...Zombie Fallout. Yep, I'm talkin' about +Mark Tufo.

First off, dis guy already has 27 strikes against him...he's a Boston Red Sox fan. Now, I would let him refute me one-on-one here about how much better da Yankees are, were, and shall remain, but I am afraid if I tossed him a slow roller, it might go between his legs.

I got a minor bone to pick wit dis Tufo guy...first being that he lives in MAINE! What's the matter Tufo... Delaware closed for remodeling or something. I mean hey, da least you could do is live in a real state. Or are you hopin' dat Stephen King might break down on your street so's dat you might actually be able to at least claim dat you met a real writer?

Now...lookin' at the picture above...are you da one on da left or da right...please don't tell me you are da one wearin' a Ghostbusters tee-shirt. What's da matter Tufo? Your Milli Vanilli one in da dryer?

Now, I am led to believe dat you served in da Marines. You were what? A clerk? I mean, I've met real Marines and not even da GaMoochie Brothers will collect debts from dose guys.

Now, can I ask a question about your book series? Zombie Fallout? Is dat how you describe your love life or your hairline? Just curious.

Anyways, I figure dats enough for now...join me next week when I toss out a few morsels about dis chick who reminds me of a love child between a dominatrix and a librarian. Yep, you're next Suzi.

Until next time... Steppin' on toes in da Rose City, I'm Vinnie DeSporto, in yer face.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Welcome to the newest edition of "Short Attention Span Theater" or...as you have come to know it, the 30 minute reader. I have been reading Children of the Plague by Gregory Carrico. I admit that I cheated. I picked it up a few times for some unscheduled reading. And so, it is my duty to inform you that I will be wrapping up here.

So, what do you need to know...for one, how can I begin to express how honored I felt to be mentioned in this book...so to speak.

"Zombies," she muttered. "Pete said there were zombies. We're in a Todd Brown novel, aren't we?"
I'm not gonna lie...that felt super groovy. Now, you might think that such a thing could cloud my judgement when it comes to offering an unbiased review. Yeah...maybe. However, take what you will from this and base it on some of the previous reviews that I have written.

Here is what I took away from this book...

First thing is that I love it when somebody takes an established genre like zombies and goes their own way with it. There is as much science fiction as horror going on here and it works very well. As you know, I do not offer spoilers, I think you should be able to discover the twists, turns, and icky moments on your own. Just know that there is a very cool vibe and twist on the standard post-apocalyptic tale here that you won't regret discovering. Also, kudos on the strong female characters here.

Gregory does not "dumb" down his story. And I could be mistaken, but there is a noticeable lack of profanity which makes this a title that you can put in front of your younger house members and introduce them to some cool horror without all the cliches of gutter-speak that some might find offensive. Yes, it is still horror, but I can not explain it any more than to say it is handled in a way that opens itself up to young audiences as well as old.

I look forward to whatever Gregory has next and make this suggestion...get this book.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Several months back, I made a post informing people that I would not be reachable on Sundays. The reason being that my wife and I spent too many hours connected to our computers and our work. That single day was supposed to be a chance to shut out the world and just be together. Over time, it morphed..."Just checking emails real quick" or "making sure the latest promotional sale is posted" and a million other excuses. Long story short, we began to drift back to the old ways.

Now, some may say that it is okay to have a seven-day work week. And I do not begrudge them that belief. Lord knows I have spent enough of my life banging that same drum. However, there comes a point and time where you have to make a choice. Sure, I may miss a promotional opportunity here or there, but if my wife and I are nothing more than two cars driving down the same freeway, what is the point?

The reality is that we both have very busy schedules. She is busy working on her second Master's (this time in forensic accounting) and I have editing projects as well as my own writing that take a lot more time and effort than many realize. When you say that you are a writer, many immediately think you just do whatever...whenever. The reality is not nearly as glamorous. Writing a book is one of the few jobs where you can see a physical representation of your progress (in the form of a word count) every minute of every day.

This weekend, we began something new. We will be making this a monthly event. During the week, we came up with five very simple things on a Post-it note. The object was to pick something that your spouse could do with and for you. (Before you get all wonky, this is not a sex thing...not saying you can't make it about that, but this was about TIME spent together.) So, for instance, one of Denise's was "Brush my hair". These are placed on the refrigerator by Friday night and the object is that you will pluck one at random times through the weekend, ensuring that the last one is draw by noon Sunday. These take a commitment from both people. The person drawing is going to do something that his or her spouse wants, and the recipient has to be ready for that even.. For one of mine, it was "play a zombie-killing video game for an hour". It was not about how well or adept at it she might or might not be...it was just having her do something with me that I find fun.

So, we spent the weekend together. At random times, we pulled each others slips from the fridge (they are face down so you don't know what you will be choosing...it keeps it random and fun) and spent time together.

My point is that so many of us have gotten so sucked into our INDIVIDUAL worlds that we have forgotten the person we chose to spend forever with in the process. No matter what degree of success you have found in your life, if you are not doing things to enjoy it WITH the individual you gave all of your "forevers" to, then what is the point?

Friday, May 17, 2013

Yo, Vinnie DeSporto here, so listen up. Apparently, basketball season is still on. Seattle is in tears. I don't know why, who the hell wants the Sacramento Kings? Not Sacramento, that's for sure. You stupid coffee drinkin' weenies shoulda thought about dat before you let the Sonics ride out of town with the Durant kid. Of course, you still would only be good enough to be first losers considering Miami had this locked up back in October at opening tip off.

So, since sports got nothin' worth talkin' about, I figured some of youse writin' weenies needed to be brought down a peg or two. I mean hey, it ain't like you got real jobs or nothin' to make fun of...I mean, from what I hear, we got waitresses, HR people (and we ALL know what those folks are like), and...if I got my facts straight...a card dealer? But not like a real card dealer, I mean, hey, if ain't in Atlantic City or Vegas...it's kind of like calling yourself an athlete because you drive a car around a track or play golf. To dat end, I have decided to see how many of youse I can make cry.

I decided to start with dis Armand Rosamilia guy. First off, I knew some Rosamilias when I was workin' for the ****** Family in Queens. Most of 'em had elevators dat didn't go to da top floor if you catch my drift. Now, dis guy...dis AR-mand if you will, he looks like dat guy who showed up to join the Hell's Angels on a Vespa. I mean, da only people dat wear goatees like dat anymore are usually just tryin' to make sure they catch all the drips from their Ben & Jerry ice cream cone.

I hear dis guy has a thing for the sittin' part of da lady. Anybody wanna let Armand know that the good part is just a little bit forward from da part he is so infatuated with. S'matter, Armand? You get so used to seeing your bunkmate's dat you forgot where your s'possed to dip the cannelloni?

I heard you on some interview...and I had to check to make sure somebody hadn't put it on fast forward. You gonna walk around lookin' like dat, you may wanna add some bass to your voice. Dat, or I hear da Chipmunks wanna cover some old Sha Na Na tunes, you could maybe pass for a chipmunk version of Bowzer with a little work.

You have likely noticed I have said nothing about his books yet. Hey...when he writes one worth readin' I might get around to trashin' it.

Anyways, I figure dats about all youse writin' weenies can handle for now...so me and my gal, Estelle Scarpelli, we gotta head down to da corner tavern. It's karaoke night. I gotta show dat Bruce Springsteen wannabe what it feels like to be "Born to run". Come back next week...I hear rumor some guy named Tufo fancies himself an author of...lemme see if I got this right...zombies AND vampires? And get dis...he's a Boston fan! I gots two words for you Tufo. Bill. Buckner.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Okay, I have a slight dilemma. I am embarking on this 30 minute reader project. However, I think it needs a catchy title. So, all you smart "catch phrase" types...throw a few things my way. If it is really groovy and I use it, I will give you the eBook of your choice from my catalog. (I will send you the MOBI unless you prefer something else.)

That out of the way...my timer is set, my copy of Children of the Plague is on my desk, and I will begin reading...now.

{DING!}

Wow! That was quick!

So, now that the story is starting to flesh out, I am able to make a few observations. First, I love how this book seems to straddle sci-fi and horror. It is like The Twilight Zone meets Tales from the Crypt. There is a definite pace to this book . The tempo has you reading fast to stay up with the energy.

New people that I met: Pete...maybe a cop, but initial feelings are that he will be a "good" guy. Lanni's twin brother, Alex, he gets a few more scenes and comes in with a bang eventually. I almost feel like he will be the heel...or "bad" guy if you will. And then there is the beastie. I won't give anything away here, but I really dug the description of it and how Gregory included a variety of the senses. So, you not only get to paint an image of it in your mind, but you now have the distinct pleasure(?) of associating it with certain smells.

Now for a tiny critique...a bit "comma happy" at times. The good part is that he uses them in all the right places...but he also had a few extraneous ones. Overall, if that ends up being my biggest complaint...I think we can live with it.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Most of you know my zombie stuff, but a few have taken the plunge and read my novel, Dakota. I am at work on the second one and am actually seeking your input here in the way of critique/criticism. As many of you know, the beginning can make or break a novel. So, here is the first couple thousand words from Dakota: Traitor/Patriot. It is NOT edited at all, so there may be a few errors, use of words repetitively...etc. I get that. What I am looking for here is an honest input...from those who read Dakota, how does this feel, and from those who have not...would you want to keep reading? Trust me...my skin is thick enough to take it.

“The man, Dakota Riley, is charged with treason and shall face the
military court where his crimes will be proven. The penalty for such crimes is
death.” The man held a piece of parchment in his hand, but he did not actually
need to read it, he knew very well what it said. After all, he had written it
just moments before.

Standing in chains, Dakota was only now starting to be able to see in
single vision, and even then, it was a bit fuzzy around the edges. The two
soldiers that stood guard over him—one to either side—had worked him over twice
already. Each time, their sergeant stood a few feet away lecturing about how “good
men had died due to his malfeasance.”

The first beating had been interrupted when the man assigned as his
defender entered the tiny cell for an interview. While it had been obvious what
was taking place, the man had said nothing about it and simply asked Dakota how
he intended to plead.

“I don’t even know what I’m being charged with,” Dakota managed after
spitting out a mouthful of blood.

“I believe that the official document states that you aided the newly
proclaimed Confederate States through acts of sabotage that resulted in massive
casualties. However, I believe they will simply shorten it to treason,” the
tall, skinny man said matter-of-factly as he removed his glasses and polished
them with the hem of his wool jacket.

Even stripped to the waist, Dakota was sweating in the muggy heat of
July. He had no idea how that man managed not to melt dressed as he was with a
linen shirt, wool slacks, and a jacket that looked to have been made for a much
shorter but heavier man.

“That’s ridiculous,” Dakota said of the charges.

“Mr. Riley, we have sworn documents form several soldiers, many of them
respected officers. You can save yourself considerable trouble,” he flashed a
look at the two thugs that stood just outside the cell rubbing their knuckles, “if
you plead guilty. The sentence will likely be carried out immediately following.”

“But I didn’t do anything!” Dakota insisted.

“According to witnesses, you signaled troops led by the enemy and
directed their coordinated attacks on the exposed flanks of Federal Army forces,”
the lawyer said as he rifled though a stack of papers.

“I was calling for help,” Dakota insisted.

“And it seems that you received it in the form of several hundred
soldiers led by one Joseph Johnston,” the lawyer continued to pour through the
pages, never bothering to make eye contact with Dakota as he spoke.

“Listen, Mister…what the hell is your name?” Dakota snapped when he
realized that the man had not even gone so far as to introduce himself to his “client”
in this first meeting.

“Davis, Abernathy Percival Davis.” Finally, the man looked up at Dakota
and met his glare. “And there is little need for profanity, Mr. Riley.”

I’ll give you profanity, you little
beanpole, Dakota thought angrily. Instead, he swallowed hard and did his
best to sound pleasant. “Listen, Mr. Davis, I realize that things might look
bad, but rest assured, I did nothing that I am charged with. I was simply
trying to call for help. There was a woman injured—”

“Ah yes…” Abernathy Davis flipped through a few pages and produced the
page he sought. “Judith Carter Henry was pronounced dead at the scene. And also
a known sympathizer to the enemy. Your being in her home does not actually help
your case, Mr. Riley.”

Dakota sagged. He was fully aware how things appeared. However, that was
simply not the way things had gone. Unfortunately, it was his word against the Union
Army.

***

A mist clung to the ground as dawn broke. The sound of birds waking and
beginning their day was about the only noise that could be heard. Dakota
climbed down out of the wagon and stretched. His body welcomed the motion and
his lungs sucked in huge gulps of the cleanest, freshest air he could remember breathing.

Wading through the dew-coated fronds of tall grass, he moved into the
trees to answer nature’s call. He still could not get over how quiet the world
seemed. Born in 1979, and living most of his life around Seattle, Washington,
Dakota Riley had spent many years with the drone of aircraft as a near constant
background symphony.

He was along way from home.

Not only was he out in the countryside somewhere west of Washington DC,
he was also, as impossible as it seemed, in the year 1861. His mind was still
struggling with the idea of ‘when’ he was far more than the aspect of where.

As he emerged from the woods, he could see Marc and Aaron already busy
with the morning fire. Aaron was never far from Marc, and Dakota often teased
that the man had two shadows…one in 3-D. Aaron ahd asked what that meant, but
no amount of explaining could help.

The best guess about Aaron was that he was perhaps fourteen. Born on a
plantation where he served as a slave, such things as his age were difficult to
know with any certainty. The same could be said for Clancy. A large man with a
soft voice, Clancy was the only slave who had survived an attempt by Marc to
organize a slave rebellion on a trio of plantations. Dakota guessed the man to
be in his twenties.

Almost on cue, the large man crawled out from under the wagon where he
preferred to sleep now that they were travelling. He claimed it was because he
had always dreamed of sleeping under the open sky, but two things about that
claim rang false. For one, the man slept under
the wagon. For another, he wasn’t the only one who woke to the rattling snores
of Art O’Grady.

As Dakota got closer to the wagon where it was currently parked under the
wide cover of an old oak tree, he could hear what might be mistaken for a
chainsaw…if they were in existence these days that is. Art would be the last to
rise and then make what he considered to be humorous remarks about how everybody
looked so tired in the morning after what he announced was another splendid
night’s sleep.

“I thought old people woke up early…seems like my granddaddy was usually
awake an hour before sunrise when I was little…and then told me about how much
of the day I had wasted,” Marc grumbled as Dakota knelt and began the
ritualistic making of the coffee.

“Must be something in the air,” Dakota said with a shrug. “Back at the
pub, that old fella was up before me on the regular, and that was after he
closed the place up for the night and did a quick count of the night’s sales
totals.”

“Mister Dakota, how long ‘afore that brew be finished?” Clancy said as he
squatted down by the fire with his cup.

“About ten minutes.” Dakota had given up trying to get Clancy to simply
call him by name without the ‘Mister’ honorific. One day a few weeks back,
Clancy had just stopped talking. When Dakota asked, he realized just how
careful he would need to be with his words.

“If you call me ‘Mister Dakota’ one more time…I’m gonna sew your mouth
shut,” Dakota had quipped in what he thought was an offhanded jest. A lifetime
of slavery had ingrained very real fear of any threat involving physical
punishment in the man. It had been Marc who eventually got the big man to come
clean with why he had just quit talking to Dakota.

“And then I can makes us breakfast,” Clancy said with a nod.

“And what is on the menu this morning, Clancy?” Marc’s stomach grumbled
to add emphasis to the question.

“Got some fat rabbits last night and even managed to find a few onions.”

That last bit caused Dakota to shoot a questioning look at Marc who
simply shrugged. They had plenty of food packed in the wagon for the trip;
however, they had also agreed that any time they could toss something fresh on
the table and save their stores for when things got lean. The first night out,
Clancy and Aaron had strolled into camp with two chickens and a dozen eggs.

“The last thing we want to do is draw attention to ourselves,” Dakota had
scolded.

“But Marc say we ain’t never gonna be comin’ back this way,” Aaron had
protested. “We learned real good how to slip into places when we was trainin’
for that big fight.”

“Ain’t no massa gonna be missin’ us come mornin’. We can walk in just as
pretty as you please…and then right back out without nobody sayin’ nary a word,”
Clancy continued.

“We can’t go around stealing from folks,” Dakota insisted. “You know
very well what would happen if you get caught.”

“Ain’t never anybody up and about such a late hour,” Clancy tried to
explain.

“It just takes once,” Marc said softly.

After Clancy and Aaron had moved out of earshot, it was Marc who voiced
his concern to Dakota. “We told them they are free, but I don’t think they
understand. To them, the only version of free they ever saw was that of their
white masters. They came as they pleased and took what ever they wanted.”

“I don’t believe that they acted out of wanting to do something wrong…I
just don’t think they really know how to handle themselves yet,” Marc said.

That night, they sat down with the two and told them that anything on
another person’s property was private, and therefore, not to be taken. To do so
would be stealing. That had opened a new can of worms when both Clancy and
Aaron insisted that they had been on another person’s property. Did that make
Marc and Dakota thieves?

Finally, it was Art who came to the rescue. “You are people. Can’t
rightly own another person. There’s some that belive that…and some who don’t.
But God placed a spark of life inside each human being. When God placed Adam in
that garden, he gave him dominion over all creatures…but he never gave him the
right to treat another man like a cow, chicken, or pig.”

Dakota figured that there would be a whole bunch of questions now, but
there was not. Clancy and Aaron simply nodded and smiled at each other, then
apologized for breaking one of, as Clancy put it, “the ten comets”. There had
been no further incidents of stealing…until now it would seem.

“Where did you find those onions?” Dakota asked with a sigh.

“Growin’ aside the trail just around the bend,” Clancy replied.

“Don’t know what is wrong where you two come from,” a voice with a thick
Irish lilt sounded with a loud smacking of lips as Art O’ Grady popped his head
out of the back of the covered wagon. “Find all sorts of things growin’ wild if’n
you know where to look. And trade roads are a good place to look considering
what might fall out of a cart along the way.”

“Is that right?” Dakota let the doubt coat his words. He didn’t want to
call Art a liar any more than he wanted to accuse Clancy and Aaron of being
thieves. By the same token, he didn’t want to see anybody in his group beaten…or
worse.

“Know one fella came across enough tobacky that he were able to make
enough see-gars to pass out at his daughter’s wedding and still had enough left
over for himself to last through a whole winter.”

Before long, the air was carrying the savory smells of cooked rabbit. The
coffee cups were filled, emptied, and filled again by the time breakfast was
ready. The conversation was almost non-existent as each set to his morning
meal. As was his custom, Art celebrated the end of the meal with a cigar.

“So, boyo,” Art said through a puff of the acrid smoke, “now that you got
me out here on the road, maybe we can talk about this war you say is fixed to
rip this country apart.”

“I could tell you plenty, but I have no idea how things will shake down
now that I met with the president.”

Dakota was still in awe of the fact that he had sat down with and
actually spoken to Abraham Lincoln. When he was told that the meeting had been
arranged, he really thought that the man would sit politely and let him speak.
What he was not prepared for was the amount of questions and follow up
questions that came. He certainly never expected the man to write down notes.

When the meeting was over, Dakota had walked back to O’Grady’s Pub in a
daze. He could have no way of knowing that, while still tragic in the number of
lives lost, Dakota had unwittingly halved the duration of the American Civil
War. In addition, he had also set into motion a tragic demise for the president.

“But if what you have told me is true, then I still do not understand why
we are having to trek all the way across this country. I heard tell of savages
that would eat you as soon as look at ya, mountains that no man can cross, and a
scarcity of womenfolk that is just too sad to even consider longer than a
heartbeat.” Art repeated the same arguments each day in almost ritualistic
fashion.

“Where is your sense of adventure?” Dakota came back with the same
response that he had given each time Art raised these concerns.

“I think I left it in the pub under my bed.” This response was
practically sang I chorus by Marc, Clancy and Aaron as the words came out of
Art’s mouth. The old Irishman scowled and bit down on his cigar, puffs of smoke
billowing around his head.

The others chuckled and went about the task of breaking down the camp.
Dakota made sure to douse the fire, stir it, and bury it. The tall dry grass
stretched out all around them and he did not want to be the person that started
a terrible wildfire.

As the sun crept into the sky on its slow journey west, it acted as a
beacon for the band of five. The day was a mixture of Art teaching
inappropriate songs to Aaron interspersed with lengthy silences where nothing
but the song of nature drifted down all around them.

As midday passed and they reached a slight rise, a strange buzz began to
filter in among the sounds of birds and whirring insects. Before it came into
view, they first heard, and then smelled the large encampment of soldiers in
and around the small town.

“Looks like the boys in blue are on the move,” Art whistled as Dakota
brought his horse up beeside the wagon.

“Seems like an awful lot of ‘em,” Dakota agreed. “What town is that?”

“Centerville,” Art replied.

The group came to a halt. Dakota fished out a set of binoculars and scanned
the area. What he saw did not appear at all like what he envisioned an Army
camp to look like. There were men lying about in front of tents. Young men,
barely old enough to carry the title from the looks of many of the faces, were
chasing each other around waving sticks like they were sabers.

“These are just children,” Dakota muttered.

“And why so many different colored uniforms?” Marc asked nobody in particular.

“They weren’t ready,” Art muttered. “Damn fools went and started a war
without being ready.”

“I don’t understand.” Marc brought his set of binoculars down and looked
at Art, gesturing for him to explain.

“These are coming in from all over. Ain’t many of them seen any real
training except how to march in line…and even that is lacking in most. But
these folks dress out in local colors to display who they are really fighting
for…be it New York or Pennsylvania,” Art explained.

“I guess I just expected them to look like…” Marc let his sentence fade
as he went back to looking at the sprawling camp of the Union Army.

“Like soldiers?” Art finished.

After a few minutes, Dakota and Marc looked at each other with raised
eyebrows. Did they dare? seemed to be
the question on their minds.

“I know we are trying to make sure we don’t get involved,” Marc began, “but
what harm can a little peek cause?”

“Said Pandora as she opened the box,” Dakota grumbled.

“I know what you are worried about,” Marc urged. “But I can’t help but be
curious. Aren’t you just a little bit curious what it feels like to be able to
walk through history?”

Dakota sighed. He had to admit, there was a peculiar and almost irresistible
urge to go down there and just wander around. He could not see the harm in
that. Besides, it wasn’t like he was going down there to sign up or anything;
he was just going to take a look. Really pull in the sights and sounds of an
honest-to-goodness Union Army camp.

He knew enough about history to know that things would
take a sharp turn for the worst after the first real battle. The romance would
be peeled away and the true horror would be revealed.

Monday, May 13, 2013

In just over two weeks, the sixth book in the DEAD series will be out. Dead: Confrontation will be the largest offering to date in a series that boasts five volumes that each come in at 100,000 words, give or take a few thousand. I am very proud of this arc in my story. It took a life of its own a long time ago, but this particular piece went in directions I never even remotely imagined. I can't wait for the reader reaction. That is the reward for me.

In other news...I am anxiously waiting for my tattoo artist to finish the custom design of a zombified version of Ace Frehley. I spent 47 years of my life without one, but I have decided to take the plunge...and what two things do I relate to more than KISS and zombies?

And then there is the newest addition to our home...Tyrion the Border Collie. Do not let that sweet face fool you...he is a handful, plus some. He is the version of the Border Collie that they warn you about. You have to keep him busy and occupied or he will create all sorts of chaos.

And now...I will begin writing the next book in my Dakota series. This will be fun because I get to dig through all sorts of interesting Civil War facts. This story will play out as the first major engagement of the war happens--First Manassas/First Bull Run. The only thing I will be giving away is that Henry House Hill will feature prominently. Also, I will be dusting off Uncivil War--my thriller that brings up the possibility of a full-scale, modern day race war that completely destroys the United States.

Don't forget to stop in on Wednesday for my 30 Minute Reader post where I share more about the +Gregory Carrico novel, Children of the Plague. If you want to play along...get your copy right away and be sure to leave a comment about your thoughts thus far.

Friday, May 10, 2013

So, it is almost the weekend. As you read this, I am gearing up for a weekend that has Mother's Day as the highlight. Somewhere in there, I will be taking some personal time to reset my brain. I have a writing binge coming up that will see the second Dakota tackled, the seventh DEAD book started, and the second venture into the realm of That Ghoul Ava. To do that, I have to clear my plate of some other projects that are almost done. (One of them is the new +Mark Tufo project...how lucky am I?!) I really am a very lucky person. I always say, the best way to get back at those who doubted you in life is to succeed. I am doing what I love...and surrounded by GREAT people who love me despite all my flaws.

So, without further delay, let me step aside and welcome an old friend back to the blog.

Yo, Vinnie DeSporto here, so listen up. After a bit of a vacation with my gal, Estelle Scarpelli, I got home to a bunch of messages on my answering machine. Imagine my surprise when that writer guy, TW Brown, was asking me to return and share some of my wisdom with his writing weanie friends. At first I thought it was a clever ploy by him to lure me out from my place in da witness protection program...then I realized something...

He ain't that clever.

So, since my thing is sports, I had to think...what could be going on that might be worth talking about? Basketball? Really? Now that LaBum James has basically bankrupted Miami so he could bring home a few titles to a town that has way too many guys walking around in Speedos to actually be considered part of the United States...seriously, it is Cuba with cell phones and old white people mixed in...so what would I talk about in a sport that died with the retirement of Bill Laimbeer? Nothin'!

Baseball? What can you say about a sport where the object seems to be stand in a grassy field, scratch your crotch and spit? Until they start making it legal to clothesline the runner between the bases...I'll pass. Besides...too many stupid bird names.

I'm waiting for football. I can't wait to see the fans of that stupid bird-named team in Seattle start cryin' when that little squirrel-faced boy who thinks he is a quarterback gets de-cleated. Face it folks...I've dated bigger women.

Now, since I am back and most of you weanies are writers...maybe next time I will roast a few of you. I'm looking at you +Armand Rosamilia...if that is your real name. And what the hell is a +Mark Tufo? Sounds like something that causes feminine itching. And +Suzi M...what, Suzi Twinkie already taken? I hear you got more aliases than a former Gotti family member. (RIP Teflon Don.)

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Sometimes you see something and slap your forehead wishing that it had been your idea. On the blog scene, I have made it clear that I really like Catie Rhodes' "Celebrity Author Playlist" feature. However, I met Catie through a series of "What's Up Doc" events where our lives eventually crossed. (See the movie with Ryan O'Neal and Barbra Streisand if you don't get the reference.)

The thing that set the wheels in motion was when +Gregory Carrico made one of my books a subject of his "30 Minute Reader" feature. For those of you unfamiliar with that...you are missing out. But the general idea is that you read a book for a half hour (timer set...check) and share observations. Now, since I just wrote a bit of a whimpering post about reviews (where I admit that I have fallen behind as well), I thought that I would borrow Mr. Carrico's idea. And since it is his idea that I am pirating (after making sure he would not send any hired muscle after me), then it only seems right to make his book the first that I feature.

That being said, yes, it will take me some time to get through it, but consider this a weekly commercial. And if you are a writer who would like to be featured EVERY Wednesday, then I invite you to tune in as I read Children of the Plague by Gregory Carrico. If you want to really make this interactive, then I invite you to grab a copy so that you can comment along. Not that it is actually blackmail, but if you want your book to receive the same treatment I am about to dish out on Greg, participation would move you up on the list of "Who is next" to be featured.

So, let us begin with just talking about the cover...I like it and would have been drawn to it without even knowing the author.

So, we meet Lanni as the book opens and already there is chaos swirling. You don't know exactly what is going on, but the pace sucks you in right away. Also, you are led to believe that her mother is somewhere in the house giving birth. Also, Lanni has a twin brother named Alex.

Some of the other early tidbits laced in the opening pages include bits about mothers dying during childbirth, a rise in stillborn and miscarriages...and then the bomb drops...the mother of the twins goes silent. It is either something really good...or...the other thing.

So, I will say that, so far, the book makes me want to learn how to read faster. It has an underlying tone that is so pervasive, it creates a spooky soundtrack in the back of your mind as you read.

See you next week for more "30 Minute reader". Also, tune in Friday for some more surprises.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Everyday we encounter people...some friends, some strangers. As our own lives spin and bounce around in the hopper, we brush up against so many different streams of life with their own smooth parts and rough rapids. When you are standing behind a person in the grocery store...are they having "just another day" or "a really bad day" or "the best day of their life"?

We never really know. And worse, we seldom know it about family or those we call friends. Some of us have forums to share bits and pieces of our lives. And even then, we choose what to share and what to keep private. We have social media where we "share" things. But again, does it really paint the whole picture?

In many ways, our lives are on display through all these outlets, but think back to something dramatic that has happened in your life recently. Good or bad. Did you share some aspect of it on you social outlet of choice? Did it really capture the depth of feelings that event conjured up? And the reactions from your friends--did they offer support, congrats, condolences? And not to pick on Facebook, but if that event was a bad one, did people click the "like" button? Has that become so entrenched in our lives that we use that as a form of snubbing when we don't click, or support when we do?

Each of us have triumph and tragedy in our lives. It is normal to want some sort of comfort when we feel bad, just as it is fun to share an achievement. But when does it cross a line. How much is too much? And when does it morph from sharing to constantly reaching out for attention?

I am blessed to have some very fine people in my life. Like yours, mine has its ups and downs. Some of it gets shared here in a condensed form...some I keep to myself. The last several months have been a whirlwind of emotions and events--some good, some bad. But recently, it has made me more aware of those around me. Knowing what has been going on in my life, and how much I still keep to myself versus what is shared, I have a new goal to try and treat people with more compassion.

I have been the recipient of some emails the past few months as events have unfolded in my life that have offered kind words and support. What is amazing is that they come from people who have never met me face-to-face, but become friends over time nonetheless. When some of my fellow bloggers share something, be it good or bad, I am trying to give more than a generic response. I know what it has meant to me, and in my desire to continue to be a better person, I have come to realize what a few words can mean...imagine that! A writer discovering the power of words!

So, share your moments--good or bad--but more importantly, realize that your reactions to others around you may mean more than you know. You may unwittingly pull somebody back from the brink, or make them smile.

Friday, May 3, 2013

May is here...one of the months named in our little publishing company. (This would be my son Cody's birth month...December is for Ronni and Alexander.) We give away presents to the masses on these months. So, The schedule is like this. The DEAD series will be offered up for .99...yep, less than a buck will get you a book each week as we draw closer to the release of the sixth book in the series, Dead: Confrontation.

So, my friend +Frank Edler sent this my way. It is a blog hop of sorts where you answer the questions and then suggest three other writers to carry on with this on their blogs and pass it on...etc. Since I am a fan of the Books, Beer, and B***sh*t gang, I was happy and honored to be called upon..

So, here goes...

What are you working on now?

I am just getting ready to start the second book in my Dakota series. Also, I will be starting on the seventh book in the DEAD series. That doesn't count any of my editing work (note...I am privy to the next book that Mark Tufo will be unleashing).

What experiences have influenced you?

Life in general has thrown enough into my path to give me enough fodder for a dozen War & Peace sized novels. As far as the literary world, Stephen King, Jasper Fforde, and Douglas Adams.

How would you describe your writing process?

Sit down and go. I think an outline would make my stories too liner. I like to let things happen in a more organic nature.

What is the hardest part of writing?

Wrapping things up.

What would you like to try as a writer that you haven't yet?

As a D & D geek from the late Seventies/early Eighties...a fantasy epic would be kind of fun, but the market is just so deluged. Fantasy is a tough nut to crack.

Who are the authors you most admire?

No lie...+Mark Tufo is tops in my list. He does things his way and has carved out a very deep niche in the genre that I love.

What scares you?

Being eaten by a bear? Actually, in all seriousness, I go though a bit of the "yips" when I release a new book. I worry that it will fall flat.So now is where I call out three writers who also have blogs. Drum roll please...+Greg Carrico and his blog--Live the story+Catie Rhodes and her blog (one of my personal favorites) Long Roads & Dark Ends+Rhonda Hopkins And her blog...So, there you have it three very talented authors with stuff to say and share. And I highly recommend stopping in on their blogs to show the love and support early!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Today I am fortunate to have the incredible Mr. John O'Brien, author of the A New World series. His seventh in the series, A New World: Takedown just released on the 28th of April and is garnering rave reviews. So, without any delay, here he is...Mr. John O'Brien.

What is your favorite part about being a
writer?

Besides telling
the actual story, I would have to say my favorite aspect is interacting with
readers. I won’t lie in that I enjoy hearing that people are enjoying the
books.

What are some of the lessons you have
learned as a writer that caught you off guard?

I would have to
say I was pleasantly surprised by how well the books were received. The
responses and reviews were, and continue to be, quite humbling. I honestly
never expected for the series to be read as much as they are – it has far
exceeded any expectations I ever had.

I don’t know if
it’s an actual lesson per se, but the amount of time spent on all activities
involved with being a write caught me a little off guard. There are so many
avenues that the books can take and trying to keep up makes for twelve to
sixteen hour days at times.

What can you share about your writing
process?

I don’t know
that I have an actual writing process. I have an idea about where each book
will end and some of the major events that I want to happen, but how the story
gets there is up to the story itself. I sit down to type and the story takes
off from that point. I have little control over where it goes and, at times,
I’m just as surprised as anyone else by what happens. The ideas just form as I
go, I take notes on ideas that form as the story unfolds, and I just write.

You do not shy away from the military
jargon, but you find ways to fold it in so that non-military types understand.
Did you/do you wrestle with how technical to get?

I don’t know if
wrestle is the right word. In the first book, Chaos, I do think I was a little too detailed and technical. I read
each and every review that gets posted and they definitely showed this trend.
It took me a while to find my “voice” with writing, but once I did, it just
flows without me having to think too much about whether it is too technical or
not. Some readers like the technical aspects and some don’t, so I try to keep
the balance between them.

What could traditional publishing learn
from the Indies? And how about the other way around?

That
is a good question which has been debated and talked about ad-infinitum. So
rather that rehash this, here are my thoughts about both paths. I think either
avenue can benefit an author depending on what they want to get out of it.
Traditional publishers offer avenues for publication that aren’t necessarily
available to the Indie authors. Indie authors have the freedom to do what they
want with their work and generally have much higher royalty percentages. I
believe the industry to be wide open for whatever avenue an author would like
to take for their work. I think this is best for the readers as they now have
greater choices in what they would like to read instead of the market being
determined by what the traditional publishers take to market. There is a lot of
undiscovered talent out there that may not normally have their works available
to be read.

The writing community can be its own
worst enemy at times. What are some of the issues you see cropping up?
Solutions?

That’s a tough
question because “issues” seems like such a negative term. I think it’s
important that authors realize that we aren’t in competition with each other,
but rather foster each other’s works. I haven’t really observed this myself but
I have heard of it happening.

The social media is…

I think social
media is a fantastic way to keep in touch with readers. Some of the social
media experts say pick three and focus on those. For me, I’m lucky to keep
track of one. So, I’ve chosen Facebook as my online representation, if you
will. I’ve found I’m a horrible blogger and am lucky to get out one blog every
month or so.

Share some information about your work
with us:

I’ve
had these various stories/scenarios floating around my head for several years.
Most of the scenarios were about survival and what better survival situation
than in a post-apocalyptic world. I started reading several books in the zombie
genre and the light bulb went off one night – why don’t I put these stories
together and write them? And so, the series was born one winter evening and I
began writing the very next morning. I had planned on the series being a trilogy
at best, but the story just took off once I really became immersed in it. The
characters came to life and they called for their story to be told.

What
is one question you are sick of being asked—not in interviews, but by
individuals who know you write?

I
can honestly say that there isn’t any question that comes to mind. Although it
may sound like a cliché, I do appreciate all of them.

How
do you deal with negative reviews?

I
look at the negative reviews as I do any of the others. Everyone has their
opinion and I get just as much out of the negative ones as I do the positive
reviews. As long as they denote what they were unsatisfied about, I take those
in. My feeling is that I can become a better writer by seeing how the books are
received from every angle.

How
much reading do you get in, and can a writer excel at his or her craft if they
do not read?

I
don’t get in nearly as much reading as I used to. I was quite the avid reader,
but my time writing has taken a little away from that. I certainly do believe
that a writer can excel by reading. But that’s just me. I look at how other
writers use descriptive terms and set up situations. One thing I do try to stay
away from while writing is reading in the same genre. There are so many great
authors within the genre that I want to read but, for me, I don’t want to sully
my story, subconsciously or otherwise, by reading their ideas.

Is
there an ending in your mind for your series, and what is next after the A New World series?

I
do have an ending in mind for the series, but it may take a few more books to
get to that point. I have just published the seventh book and the story is only
about four months along. This was quite a surprise that the books took this
tact/pace. As far as what is next, I have another series in mind which will be
fun to write when I get to it. I try not to think too much about that one as I
want to concentrate fully on this series in order to give it the concentration
it deserves – the readers deserve my full attention on the series at hand.

I have seen your titles
in the top 10 (to clarify…I mean on actual sales lists) on many occasions, but
in nothing I have read do I see the title “Best Selling Author” preceding your
name. Do ‘Best seller’ listsstill have value?

I think the best
seller list has tremendous value for the readers. I’ll be honest, and this may
sound a little lame, but I’m not one that needs or wants that kind of
spotlight. I’m not saying others who do this are like that in any way, it’s
just that, well, honestly, I’ve never thought about it.

What
projects are you currently working on?

Besides
having just published the seventh book in the series and planning on the
eighth, Mark Tufo and I are working on a collaboration novel together where we
get Mike Talbot and Jack Walker together. We have titled the work, A Shrouded World. We don’t have a
publication date as yet but will have it out sometime this year.

What
is one thing about you that would surprise the readers who do not know you
personally?

Nope.

Amazon
recently unveiled their “Author Ranking” list. You stay consistently in the Top
20 for horror writers. Do you see any benefit, or is it much ado about nothing?

I’m not sure
really what people look at when deciding on their purchases. For me, it’s an
indication of how well the books are being received and rather humbling to say
the least. I believe it could be another avenue for readers to take when
searching for books.

Any
ambition to see your titles on the big screen? If so, which one(s)?

I
would very much enjoy seeing the series either on the big screen or as a TV
series. Of course, every author would enjoy seeing their titles put into a
movie.

About Me

TW Brown is the author of the Zomblog series, DEAD series, and That Ghoul Ava series. He is deeply immersed in
pursuing his dream of being a “full-time” writer while trying to balance the
duties of husband, father, friend, and Border Collie owner. He keeps busy
reading and editing the numerous submissions for a variety of upcoming
anthologies and full-length titles for May December Publications. He has had short stories published by Pill
Hill Press, Living Dead Press, and others.